Albion College

Earl C. “Billy” Hayes went on to become a legendary track & field coach after graduating from Albion, culminating in his induction into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1976.

Billy coached seven Indiana University athletes, and a total of 12 during his career from 1924-1943, who qualified for United States Olympic teams. His efforts to promote intercollegiate competition had much to do with the organizing of the first NCAA Cross Country Championship as well as the formation of the National Collegiate Cross Country Coaches Association for which he served as president from 1939-40. Hayes coached 10 NCAA individual champions, 42 All-Americans, and five Big Ten team champions in indoor and outdoor track and field combined.

His cross country teams won three NCAA titles. Indiana had its first NCAA cross country champion under Hayes.

Billy launched his career at Mississippi A&M (now known as Mississippi State University), guiding the football team to a 15-8-2 record in three seasons from 1914-16 and compiling a 124-54 record in 12 seasons as the basketball coach. 

Billy passed away in 1943 at age 58.